News Release

Contact: Kevin Herglotz, (202) 720-4623
kevin.herglotz@usda.gov
Tim McNeilly, (202) 690-0498
tmcneill@rdmail.rural.usda.gov

AGRICULTURE SECRETARY ANNOUNCES SELECTION FOR RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

Four Proposals Selected to Foster Economic Development In Idaho

     BOISE, IDAHO, August 13, 2001--Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced the selection of four rural business and community development proposals to receive $270,011 in grant funds, designed to assist in the fostering of economic development in rural areas of Idaho.

     “In rural communities across Idaho, local entrepreneurs, ranchers and farmers are working to create greater economic prosperity for their families and for their community,” said Veneman. “Business, agriculture, and government must work together to find new markets and secure the economic future of rural America.”

     Veneman noted that nine businesses are expected to ultimately benefit from the grant funds, along with the expectation that approximately 50 jobs will be created or saved. Grants for the four proposals will be provided through two USDA Rural Development programs; the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program and the Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) program.

     The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation has been chosen to receive a $165,000 RBEG for the purpose of assisting in the development of the Duck Valley Retail Commercial Center.

     The Coeur d’ Alene Tribe has been chosen to receive a $20,011 RBEG to complete the pre-development costs for an industrial site in Plummer, ID.

     The Lewis-Clark State College has been chosen to receive a $45,000 RBEG to purchase a transmission simulator to train adult students at the college, Lewiston, ID.

     The Clearwater Economic Development Association, Inc. has been chosen to receive a $40,000 RBOG to conduct business and economic development planning for the Pierce-Weippe area.

     USDA Rural Development serves as the lead federal entity for rural development needs, and administers program assistance through three agencies: Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service. Further information on USDA Rural Development can be obtained by contacting any USDA Service Center or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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